The Star ferry is the iconic ferry service betwen Kowloon and Hong Kong island and has been ferrying passengers back and forth now for well over a century.
The ferry line actually has four routes although the most famous and commonly used one, and the one most people mean when they talk about ... Read review
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Advantages: Fun, unusual method of transport nowadays Disadvantages: Only lasts 15 minutes!
The Star ferry is the iconic ferry service betwen Kowloon and Hong Kong island and has been ferrying passengers back and forth now for well over a century.
The ferry line actually has four routes although the most famous and commonly used one, and the one most people mean when they talk about the 'Star ferry' is from tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon to Central, Hong Kong. The price is HK$2.3/1.8 upper/lower deck (£1 currently is around HK$12) ... ...water of Hong Kong. Boats depart at least every 15-20 minutes so you can turn up at the pier without having to look up departure times in advance and the crossings take only around 15 minutes. There are now other ways to get across to Hong Kong island such as the metro which may be more convenient for regular commuters, however, as a tourist it means you are not stuck underground but instead looking at the city. The cost of the metro is also comparable ... more
The Star ferry is the iconic ferry service betwen Kowloon and Hong Kong island and has been ferrying passengers back and forth now for well over a century.
The ferry line actually has four routes although the most famous and commonly used one, and the one most people mean when they talk about the 'Star ferry' is from tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon to Central, Hong Kong. The price is HK$2.3/1.8 upper/lower deck (£1 currently is around HK$12) so an extremely cheap way to get out into the water of Hong Kong. Boats depart at least every 15-20 minutes so you can turn up at the pier without having to look up departure times in advance and the crossings take only around 15 minutes. There are now other ways to get across to Hong Kong island such as the metro which may be more convenient for regular commuters, however, as a tourist it means you are not stuck underground but instead looking at the city. The cost of the metro is also comparable to the ferry.
The other ferry routes available are Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai, Hong kong then Central to Hung Hom, Kowloon and Wan Chai to Hung Hom. The latter two routes cost around HK$6 with the former being similar to the classic route cost. All run ferries at least every 25 minutes.
The boats themselves have not been overly modernised and still look like old fashioned steam ferries. There are 2 deck levels, the upper gives you a better elevation for looking over the harbour but the windows are glazed and sometimes as a result the views aren't as clear. The lower deck is my preference as there is no glass and the wind and occasionally spray whilst you travel reminds you that you are in a boat. The views are as good as the upper deck if you get a seat near the edge-so off-peak times are better as there is less crush of people.
The great thing about the ferry is that it is a mode of transport and a tourist attraction in one package. As well as getting you over to Hong Kong island it allows the passenger to see the boat, travel on this old form of transport and get good views of the bay and the city from the water which gives a different perspective on the place. It is unusual to have such a method of transport still as a working connection used by local people instead of simply a tourist attraction or in a 'ferry graveyard' so I applaud any support to keep this going. I would highly recommend the trip as it is very cheap and is also relaxing to be chugging along on the water away from crowds and chaos in the city. Crossing at least once at night is also recommended as you can see all the lights of the city and the reflection in the water as you bob around on the dark water.
Advantages: Wonderful views, cheap, great experience Disadvantages: Need to be Colin Jackson to get on it
...electronics and soaring skyscrapers. Well, Star Ferries are something else entirely, and they're just great.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Kowloon, so used the Star Ferries daily to get to HK Island, and they are now one of my favourite memories of Hong Kong. A little strange for a piece of public transport you may say, but they are truely something else.
The pokey terminals with their small newsstands, and turnstiles guarded by hostile little ... ...this point), lead you down to the ferry jetty. A scrum forms around the doors of the nearest ferry, and when the officials consider them open, there is a mass stampede. Beware if you are fragile or old. That is unless you are from Hong Kong, whereas you have developed the skill of timing your jump deftly to mount this beast, without looking like a stumbling drunk, as it sways back an forth infront of you. This is a bit daunting at first as the platform ...
VC81 28.09.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Star Ferry, Hong Kong
Advantages: Must-do thing in Hong Kong Disadvantages: No
...times I've been on the Star Ferry. I used to live on the Hong Kong Island and one of the quickest way to get to the other side of the harbour is to go on the Star Ferry. It is a must-do thing when you are in Hong Kong. It is a only a 5 minute ride across the Victoria Harbour but the scene on the way is amazing. I would suggest takng 2 rides: one during the day and one in the evening. The evening view is stunning!! There are three routes: one between ... ...and Wan Chai.
The Star Ferry has been around for ages and it has become part of the history of Hong Kong, and part of my personal memory. Everytime I get on it, I can see some new buildings across both sides of the harbour, it has become the witness of the development of this small port in Asia. ...
medgenie 27.07.2008 (26.07.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Star Ferry, Hong Kong
Advantages: quick and easy transport Disadvantages: none
I loved the star ferry although according to people the journey gets shorter and shorter every year due to reclaimed land.
The journey itself costs approx 25pence and takes you from Kowloon over to Hong Kong island in approx 5-10 mins and vice versa. You get an excellant view of all the main sights of Hong Kong and Kowloon and experience a trip on the water soaking up the atmosphere which i find electrical day and night. The best time to travel ...
jude1276 02.09.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Star Ferry, Hong Kong
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One of the cheapest ways to travel around Hong Kong is to cross the between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon by the harbour ferry.
This is the cheapest boat ride you will ever take in your life and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. You then have the chance to choose which cabin you sit in the upper deck or first class for $1.50 Hong Kong Dollars or 2nd class on the lower deck for about $1 this costs in British pence between 8 - 12p depending whether you feel rich enough to sit up in first class. I wonder if Starferries offers Frequent Flyer miles
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So here I am, sitting at the desk, looking out of the window at a mind-blowing panorama of Hong Kong island lit up with Christmas decorations. Skyscrapers decked out with neon Christmas tree balls, Father Christmas, sleighs, all in addition to the usual night time illuminations. And across the water chugs the StarFerry, like it has for decades, along with modern pleasure boats, cruisers and speedboats, and from time to time a traditional sampan, or a junk, plying its way across as it has for centuries.
And here I sit, 20 or so floors up; the kettle whistles that I can finish making my cup of coffee; a soft hum from the minibar fridge tells me that my vodka is still cold; a few steps from my door is the lounge, with bar service, business centre services, concierge services, as well as a selection of complimentary Christmas delicacies ...
